Our bridge program is designed to help athletes of all ages and abilities transition from formal physical therapy to a safe return to sports and recreational activities after an ACL or lower extremity injury.
What is a “Bridge Program”?
An ACL Bridge Program is a higher-level return to performance program in months 3 to 12 post-operatively. Historically built around ACL rehab, programs are appropriate for a variety of lower extremity injuries. Bridge programs include plyometrics, weight training, jumping, as well as quad and hamstring strength torque testing. Our ACL Bridge Team has received extensive education on current best practices with the ACL population.
Assessment metrics
We’ll evaluate the athlete’s current level of physical function including range of motion, quad and hamstring strength testing using traction dynamometry, running/sprinting abilities, cutting abilities, and jumping and landing mechanics.
Goal Setting
This program aims to return the athlete to their sport with full strength, ROM, and confidence for optimal performance.
Strength
Varied exercises will be tailored to each patient to improve power, stability, and performance.
Plyometrics
Using ground contact time values, the therapists will progress jumping/hopping volume and intensity from simple double-leg exercises to more complex single-leg movements, including dynamic cutting drills to simulate return to play.
Benefits of the ACL Bridge Program
The staff shows genuine care for their patients, they’re all personable without exception, they answer all questions thoroughly, and stay on top of how I’m doing. Most importantly, I’m feeling better than I have in years with reduced pain, increased comfort, and flexibility. I can’t imagine going anywhere else for physical therapy in the future.
Bill T.